AB Foundation Scholarship

My experience with teen motherhood has significantly shaped my career aspirations and influenced my determination to pursue a path in neuroscience. My mother, who gave birth to me at the age of 14, has always strived to provide me with a good life. She worked hard to ensure I had nice clothes, video games, and other things that brought me joy. Her sacrifices were a testament to her love and desire to give me opportunities she was not able to have. However, as I approached my teenage years, I began to notice changes in my mother's behavior. By the time I was 13, she started showing signs of emotional distress—talking to herself, crying in her room, and disappearing for hours on end. Her behavior became increasingly erratic and troubling. After a few medical consultations, she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Learning about her mental health issues was a pivotal moment in my life. Her diagnosis helped me understand the patterns of her behavior that had previously been confusing and distressing. It became clear that her struggles were not just random but were deeply rooted in her mental health conditions. This revelation had a profound impact on me and influenced my career choice. My desire to become a neuroscientist was born from this understanding. Neuroscience offers the potential to explore the complexities of the brain and the underlying mechanisms of mental health disorders. I became fascinated with the idea of studying the brain's functions and dysfunctions to gain insights into why disorders like those my mother experiences occur. I am driven by the hope that my research could contribute to the development of better treatments or even preventative measures for these conditions. The challenges my mother faced has given me a unique perspective on mental health. I have witnessed firsthand the impact of these disorders on both the individual and their family. This experience has deepened my empathy and fueled my commitment to making a difference in the field of neuroscience. I am motivated by the possibility of helping others who face similar struggles and improving their quality of life. In pursuing my goals, I have been actively involved in academic and extracurricular activities that align with my aspirations. My participation in the Project SEED research internship, where I studied Fragile X syndrome, has provided me with valuable research experience and a deeper understanding of genetic and neurological disorders. I am committed to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for those affected by them. I believe that understanding and addressing mental health is crucial for overall well-being and societal progress. By becoming a neuroscientist, I aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of mental health disorders and work towards effective solutions that can improve lives. Despite the difficulties my mother has faced, I appreciate her unwavering effort to provide me with a better life. Her struggles have been a driving force behind my desire to pursue a career in neuroscience. I am dedicated to using my knowledge and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the field and to support others who are navigating similar challenges. To conclude, my personal experiences with teen motherhood and mental health have profoundly influenced my career path. They have given me a unique perspective on the importance of understanding and addressing mental health disorders. Through my studies and research in neuroscience, I hope to contribute to advancements that can offer hope and relief to those affected by mental health conditions, ultimately making a positive difference in the world.